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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting modifications of a pending law that include lowering the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Recently, international health experts sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

International experts actually suggests a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for various offences “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “The company operates its business in compliance with current country statutes. Additionally, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that minors should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.